I was recently asked to speak at a PR event at the Kate Spade Flagship store/townhouse on Madison Avenue – and it is a known fact that I was aflutter with excitement. I know the brand quite well and I actually shop at that very store, a lot – but I did not think I was familiar enough or even certain who/what Kate Spade is. So, I thought it wise to back pedal a bit, do some homework, poke around the internet and learn about the woman and the brand before I embarked on this amazing speaking engagement.

After countless hours/days in review and an informative and fun Q&A, with their sales staff – the Your Girl Friday* team who were eagerly armed with cliff notes about Kate Spade the woman/who and Kate Spade the brand/what, I gathered all that I needed to create my presentation.

{* The KS marketing department are renowned for their semantic genius in their ad campaigns and their Spade symbol ie. the iconic ace of a “spade” is like the shot heard round the world – everyone knows what that symbol represents.}

In trying to save some outfit organizing time on the day of the event – I thought I would style an outfit right then and there. I mean I had the keepers of the keys at my disposal and seized the opportunity to defer to their spot on professionalism. They learned quickly that it was pointless to pull anything that wasn’t in the double 00 range – Kate Spade’s fit model is a heck of a lot fuller and so much taller than this petite. Even though not much of the ‘ready to wear’ fit – I had a lot of fun with some of the new ‘MADISON AVENUE” summer collection, and pranced around with the flashier items -some of which they chose – most of which I purchased – and in no time at all, we created a classic, bright and memorable ensemble for me to wear to the event. That dress was hotter than the hot summer night that it was worn on.

I confess to a weakness for the color pink. So I was a goner the minute I laid eyes on the pink & orange sequined mod colorblock (00) dress that I saw hanging in the salon while we were in marketing mode. The Kate Spade collection this season, {and the one that I was focused on for the presentation} bursts with a range of neon colors including the usual black & white {stripes and dots – wasn’t such a fan) pops of hot pink and kelly green (win/win for me every time) and a whimsical pale pink & nude palette featuring flamingos, I think some pieces in that line were popular back in the 60’s heyday of Palm Springs, Slim Arons models, perhaps. The giant flamingo mannequin in the window display was one of this seasons most sought after backdrops I was told, and after spending so much time there recently I am certain that more than a few of Kate Spade’s bags were inadvertently purchased as a direct result of the many passersby that lingered way too long outside the gorgeous golden doors – just waiting patiently for their turn with the Flamingo. The store is pure magnificence – it is truly a designers dream showroom and anyone would jump at the chance to take a further look inside – the flamingos were only a teaser….

Anyhow, the thought of working with the Kate Spade brand seemed daunting at first – but after reflecting on why it makes me personally happy to ever add another Kate Spade number to my wardrobe, I knew I would be able to elaborate at the event on my love affair with the brand and then engage and excite other women with the simple sentiment that Kate Spade is Pretty. Pretty is fun. Pretty is flirty. Pretty is neat. Pretty never goes out of style.

I was able to draw on my personal experiences when interacting with this popular franchise at various locations around the country. It is a cheery collection of bright hues and unfaltering classic preppy chic, which in my opinion is a look that works in any city, at any time and on any body.

That said, I am proud to inform that the event was a huge success – fun, informative and neon colorful.

The accidental dress that I wore was a big hit. In fact, later that evening I noticed that the dress was ‘temporarily out of stock’ on the website. That issue has since been rectified.

It was a gift to be given the chance to be asked to represent KSNY at this special media event and I was overjoyed (and quite surprised) at the new collaboration that has blossomed out of such a wonderful evening.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

black crepe dress | clam shell clutch | jackie pumps | onyx cocktail ring | ink stain wallet 

white silk cocktail dress | pink and orange dress de jour 

Photographs by Viva Violeta Photography